Bringing tequila back from Mexico

[raiderj16]

Hi everyone,
I have a question for those of you who have brought back multiple quantities of tequila back from Mexico to California. How much do you have to pay in fees for bottles, in excess of the one liter that you are allowed duty free. If anyone knows the answer, I would appreciate a response. Thanks

[MaloMateo]

I had 15 bottles in my luggage from my most recent trip. Mexican customs officials laughed at the amount of bottles in my dirty socks and only checked 3 of them.
U.S. custom officials didn't bother to open my bags.
Lucky?
Yes tequila does have its magic properties.

[Rosco]

yeah, i would call it luck, last couple of times that i've driven across, i haven't gotten checked, and when they ask i say i have no bottles, so they don't even bother checking.and the same goes for the plane rides, have never been asked any questions. from what i understand you pay a tax per bottle after two liters, no more than five, if you're trying that whole honesty thing.... but tequila, will do that to you too, make you naughty..

[Piña]

I was told 4 bottles per person at the check in in Guadalajara. So I stuck 4 in there.

US Customs didnt even check my luggage

[mwegryn]

From what Customs says they can elect to charge a small duty tax on each bottle over the limit (1Liter?). Just make sure it's not in your carry on. They made me check it in. So pack it really well, and check it in. Be truthful in your claims, and they shouldn't give you any grief. I brought back a total of 8 bottles in May with no extra taxes.

[raiderj16]

I ended up bringing back 12 bottles. I had no problems in PV and did not have Customs charge me any tariff. I made sure I claimed all the bottles and had receipts for most of them, just in case. The guy at customs did ask how many I had and I told him 12 bottles. He thought they were minis and I told him they were not, he just smiled and told my wife and I to have a good night. There are some people that have been saying that TSA now restricts alcohol to 5 liters per person and that the airlines are enforcing that. I checked the TSA website and it does state that only 5 liters per person are allowed on checked in luggage, but you are also allowed up to 5 liters if you buy at the duty free.

[mwegryn]

5 bottles would probably make the bag a bit heavy anyhow. Gives me an excuse to go every year. 12 bottles in one trip, well done!